TOKYO (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed the idea of running for vice president in 2028 but did not rule out a bid for a third term. This sparked a new debate over the limits of presidential power and the future of U.S. politics. 

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his flight from Malaysia to Japan, Trump called the idea of joining a ticket as vice president “too cute” and said it “wouldn’t be right.” He believed people would reject such a move, adding, “I’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right.”

His comment followed suggestions from some supporters that he could return to the White House by running as vice president, then succeeding a Republican president who stepped down. However, legal experts say this strategy would violate the U.S. Constitution. The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two elected terms, while the 12th Amendment bars anyone ineligible for the presidency from serving as vice president.

Trump, 79, seemed to keep the door open for a possible challenge, telling reporters, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean, you’ll have to tell me.” He added that he hadn’t “really thought about it,” but his comments quickly fueled speculation about a third-term run.

Despite his age, Trump maintains a busy schedule. He frequently presents himself as energetic and sharp, often comparing his vitality with that of former President Joe Biden, 82. During his 2024 campaign, Trump made age and mental fitness a key theme, claiming he was “stronger and sharper” than his opponents.

He praised members of his current administration, hinting at possible successors within the Republican Party. He called Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “great people” and suggested that “if they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable.” Rubio, who stood beside him during the remarks, smiled but did not comment.

Trump’s latest comments come amid growing tension within the Republican ranks as speculation builds over the 2028 race. Several GOP figures are already positioning themselves for potential campaigns, while loyalists like former strategist Steve Bannon continue to promote Trump’s enduring influence.

Last week, Bannon told The Economist that a plan was underway to keep Trump in power. “Trump is going to be president in ’28, and people ought to just get accommodated with that,” Bannon said. He did not provide details but claimed that the strategy would unfold “at the appropriate time.”

Political analysts say that while such claims generate public interest, the legal path to a third term is nearly impossible. Amending the Constitution would need approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Most experts agree that such an effort has virtually no chance of success. 

Even so, Trump’s comments keep him at the center of political discussions. His allies frame him as the dominant figure in the Republican Party, while critics argue that his remarks undermine respect for constitutional limits.

In recent interviews, Trump has sent mixed signals about his plans. In March, he told CNBC that he would “probably not” run again, only to later suggest he was “not joking” about the possibility. His remarks have continued to blur the line between speculation and strategy, keeping both supporters and opponents guessing about his next move.

Meanwhile, several Democrats are already considering their options for 2028. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a CBS interview that he would “be lying” if he claimed he wasn’t thinking about a presidential bid. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also told the BBC that she could “possibly” run again.

For now, Trump’s comments have reignited a constitutional conversation that seemed settled decades ago. The question of whether any path exists for a third term remains legally closed, but his continued hints suggest the debate will linger.

As Trump wrapped up his remarks aboard Air Force One, he seemed content to leave the question open. “I haven’t really thought about it,” he said. “But I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”

His comment, simple yet significant, ensures that speculation about a third Trump term is far from over.